Rockets & Rails

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Choose Newton & The City of Newton are excited to be bringing back fireworks to celebrate the 250th birthday of our country! 

Join us Friday, July 3 at Athletic Park (North Athletic Park area) for an evening full of hometown fun. We’ll be set up near the bandshell in the grassy area north of the football stadium with food and drinks, yard games, a kids zone, activities, live music, and more - all leading up to an incredible fireworks display to close out the night.

Speaking of live music, the opening concert will take place in the bandshell starting at 7 p.m., followed by our main act on Fischer Field at 8 p.m. Come early to set up your spot, bring your chairs and blankets, and get ready for a fun evening!

While you’re enjoying the pre-concert activities or during the concerts, be sure to head to the south side of the park to catch opening weekend activities and games of the Mexican American Men’s Fastpitch Tournament- the longest-running tournament of its kind. It’s going to be a high-energy evening across the entire park, and we’re excited to celebrate alongside such a meaningful and long-standing community tradition. More info on the tournament can be found here.

It’s been more than a decade since Newton has hosted a Fourth of July celebration like this, and we can’t wait to celebrate together in a big way! 

Schedule of Events

  • 5- 7 p.m. - Welcome, Food and Drink Vendors & Kids Area opens 
  • 7:00 p.m. - Opening concert: The Sassanachs (in the band shell)
  • 7:30 p.m. - Opening remarks, National Anthem, Colors Presentation, etc. (Fischer Field)
  • 8:00 p.m. - Main concert: Stolen Winnebagos (Fischer Field)
  • 9:00 p.m. - Kids Area closes
  • 10:15 p.m. or dark - Fireworks begin to the South!

 

Concert Information

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We’re excited to welcome our opening band, The Sassanachs, a high-energy group with deep roots right here in Harvey County. With members hailing from Halstead, Newton, and Hesston, we’re proud to showcase this talented local group as they kick off the night at Rocket’s and Rails!

"The Sassanachs were started by the brothers Werner – John and Matt in 2016. Having had a successful run in their previous band, The Screaming Idiots, they decided to try it all again, but this time with an Irish twist. Along the way, they brought along Rich, Meg, Jon, Clint, and Joey to join them on this crazy journey. The band is based in Harvey County, with members of the band hailing from Halstead, Newton, and Hesston.

The Sassanachs are a high energy band with a heavy Irish influence. When you come to a show, you will be taken on a journey around the world with some polka, country, mariachi, and Ukrainian tunes mixed in. Even if you don’t recognize all of the tunes that the band plays, you will find yourself dancing, singing, and having an awesome time. "

Want to learn more about their music, and even give them a listen? Check it out!

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We’re excited to welcome our main stage band, The Stolen Winnebagos, all the way from Kansas City!

A huge thank you to the incredible Sand Creek Summer Daze Festival Committee for graciously partnering with the City to bring this band to Rocket’s and Rails. Their continued support, collaboration, and commitment to community events help make celebrations like this possible.

"With two decades of experience playing together, they have entertained people at venues ranging from dive bars to amphitheaters. Over the years they have tried to differentiate themselves from the “typical” cover band experience by playing songs not normally done by cover bands, yet remaining upbeat and fun. Their diverse catalog includes a wide variety of songs from the 1950’s until today. It is not uncommon to hear classic rock, new wave, grunge, hip hop, punk, alternative, classic county, and modern rock in a single set of The Stolen Winnebagos. You never really know what to expect with this band….except that you will have a great time!"

Want to learn more about their music, and even give them a listen? Check it out!

Fireworks Show Info

The City is proud to partner with Victory Pyrotechnics & Special Events for this year’s Rockets & Rails celebration on July 3. Victory Pyrotechnics is not your average fireworks company - they are a precision-driven, safety-certified team known for delivering custom shows that leave a lasting impression.

From large-scale city celebrations to high-energy events, their professionalism, attention to detail, and passion for what they do make them the perfect fit to help us bring fireworks back to Newton in a big way. We can’t wait for the community to experience the show they’re designing just for Rockets & Rails! 

Coming soon: Listen to the pyro musical show from any location!